comments
Media
When God Hasn't Said Anything About It Having focused extensively in previous lessons on the nature of God's specific and generic instructions, we turn our attention more fully to the other end of the spectrum. What about those innumerable instances when God hasn't said anything? How should we treat the silence of Cod? Is it permissive or prohibitive? When God hasn't specifically addressed something in either positive or negative terms, may we faithfully interpret his silence as license to proceed in whatever direction we choose?* Granted, we don't read anything in God's revelation to mankind about the yearly observance of Christmas, but what's the big deal if we're remembering Jesus? * The use of guitars, keyboards, and drums in our assemblies of worship can't be specifically authorized using the New Testament, but what's wrong with using them if our praise is enthusiastically directed toward God? * May we build whatever we would like to build, fund whatever we would like to fund, solicit in whatever way we would like to solicit, as long as some justifiable good comes as a result of our efforts? As human beings, we can formulate an endless amount of "good reasons." Given enough time and wiggle room, we can justify nearly anything. We can appeal to emotions and reason from past experiences and motivate with inspiring rhetoric, but we are not the ultimate standard of authority. The bedrock principles delivered in Isaiah 55:6-11 continue to resonate throughout the created order. Words from the mouth of the Creator have been delivered to and preserved for his creation. There is divine purpose behind his revealed thoughts and demonstrated ways. He has already told us his ways and thoughts are inherently distinct from our ways and thoughts. They are higher and holier. His purposes will be accomplished; his will shall succeed. our responsibility, as repeatedly referenced in this study, is simple and straightforward. Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. (Eph 5:15-17) In the end, therefore, the question is infinitely bigger than"Why can't we?" or "What's the big deal?" Despite our opinions, justifications, and rationalizations, the only thing that truly matters in the final analysis is this: how does God treat his silence in the Scriptures? Is it prohibitive or permissive?